I read a blurb about this book where it said that it reminded the reader of an episode of the TV show Hill Street Blues. And I think I must agree.

The story is told through the eyes of Rem, a young man of noble blood new to the city of Yenara. He's left home - I believe he's a younger son - and I can't quite remember if we're ever told exactly why. We are told that his father was quite demanding and, to Rem, belittling towards him. Rem gets thrown into the city dungeons and then, stroke of luck, gets offered the chance to join the Watch Wardens. Which he takes, because lets face it, it's better than rotting in the dungeons, right?

Rem is teamed up with a cantankerous dwarf by the name of Torvil to begin with, Torvil's regular partner having not shown up for his shift. And the adventure begins.

There's no new ground broken with this book. It's an adventure, a buddy tale, about two mis-matched guys in the city police force who have a mystery to solve. A mystery that includes murder, theft, drugs, kidnappings and elves, orcs, dwarves, mages and humans all existing together in this melting pot of a city. It's a fun read and while maybe predictable in spots, the characters are definitely charming and the writing is quick-paced and the narrative flows quite well.

I liked it and I'll definitely be looking for the next book when it comes out this summer.